Objective: To investigate the temporal and spatial expression and localization of transforming growth factor-beta 1 mRNA during mouse molar morphogenesis.
Methods: The distribution pattern of TGF-beta 1 mRNA was analysed on 5 microns serial sections of paraformaldehyde-fixed and paraffin-embedded embryonic mouse heads or mandibles using in situ hybridization.
Results: The results show that TGF-beta 1 mRNA was expressed during mouse molar morphogenesis in a temporally and spatially regulated fashion. Local expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA in the dental epithelium at bud-staged (E13) and cap-staged (E15) teeth were observed. During bell stage (E16-18), TGF-beta 1 mRNA was very abundant in the ameloblast layer and dental papilla cells. The expression of TGF-beta 1 was increased in the layer of odontoblast and ameloblast with the differentiation of these cells.
Conclusions: These results suggest that TGF-beta 1 may have an important role in tooth morphogenesis, and TGF-beta 1 acts as a paracrine and autoinducing factor.